John Coffee

John Coffee was a Democratic U.S. Representative who served Washington's 6th congressional district from 1937 until 1947. Born on January 23, 1897, in Tacoma, Washington, Coffee had a legal background and a career in public service prior to his election to Congress. His legislative efforts included a notable attempt to establish a Federal Bureau of Fine Arts, reflecting his interest in the arts and culture. After five terms in the House, Coffee's political career concluded with a defeat in 1946, leading him to return to his legal practice until his death in 1983.

Early life and career

John Coffee was born in Tacoma, Washington, where he attended local public schools. His academic journey led him to the University of Washington in Seattle, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Laws in 1920. Following this, he furthered his legal education at Yale Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1921. After being admitted to the bar in 1922, Coffee began his legal career in Tacoma, establishing himself as a practicing attorney.

In addition to his legal work, Coffee engaged in public service early in his career. He was appointed as Secretary to U.S. Senator C.C. Dill from 1922 until 1924, gaining valuable experience in federal legislative processes. Later, he served as Secretary of the Advisory Board of the National Recovery Administration from 1933 to 1935, a period marked by efforts to address the economic challenges of the Great Depression. Coffee also held positions as an appraiser and examiner for Pierce County, Washington, focusing on state inheritance tax and escheat matters from 1933 to 1936. In 1936, he was appointed as a civil service commissioner for Tacoma, further solidifying his commitment to public service.

House tenure

John Coffee was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1936, representing Washington's 6th congressional district as a member of the Democratic Party. His first term began on January 3, 1937, and he subsequently served four additional terms, concluding his congressional service on January 3, 1947. During his time in the House, Coffee was involved in various legislative initiatives and was known for his interest in the arts.

One of Coffee's notable legislative efforts occurred on August 13, 1937, when he introduced a bill aimed at creating a permanent Federal Bureau of Fine Arts. This proposed bureau would have included six departments dedicated to various artistic disciplines, such as theatre, dance, music, literature, graphic and plastic arts, and architecture and decoration. The bill garnered support from prominent figures in the arts, including opera singer Lawrence Tibbett and author Theodore Dreiser, among others. However, it faced opposition from certain artists and organizations, leading to its eventual abandonment, particularly as the onset of World War II shifted national priorities.

Throughout his tenure, Coffee was involved in the political landscape of the time, navigating the complexities of the New Deal era and the challenges posed by the war. However, his political career faced scrutiny in 1946 during the Garsson/May investigation, which revealed that he had accepted a $2,500 check from a Tacoma contractor in 1941, failing to report it as a campaign contribution. In response to the controversy, Coffee pledged to refrain from accepting similar gifts in the future.

Despite his earlier successes, Coffee's political fortunes changed in 1946 when he sought reelection to the 80th Congress but was defeated by Republican candidate Thor Tollefson. Following this loss, Coffee made further attempts to return to Congress, running unsuccessfully in 1950 and 1958.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, John Coffee's legislative focus included the arts and cultural initiatives, as evidenced by his introduction of the Federal Bureau of Fine Arts bill. This interest reflected a broader commitment to supporting the arts during a time when cultural initiatives were gaining traction in American society. Coffee's efforts to promote the arts were indicative of his belief in the importance of cultural enrichment as part of national identity.

In addition to his focus on the arts, Coffee's legislative work was shaped by the socio-economic challenges of the era, particularly during the Great Depression and World War II. His background in law and public service informed his approach to various legislative issues, as he sought to address the needs of his constituents and the nation.

After leaving Congress, Coffee returned to his legal practice in Tacoma, where he continued to work until his death on June 2, 1983. His legacy includes not only his contributions to the legislative process but also his commitment to public service and the arts. Coffee's son, John Main Coffee Jr., followed a different path, becoming a Unitarian minister and a professor of history, contributing to the academic discourse on history and culture.

Overall, John Coffee's career as a U.S. Representative was marked by a dedication to public service, an interest in the arts, and a commitment to addressing the pressing issues of his time. His legislative efforts and public service roles reflect a life dedicated to the betterment of his community and the nation.